Warning that further stormy weather could cause flooding along south and west coasts

People living along south and west coasts are being warned of further stormy weather which could cause flooding.

It comes after Storm Eleanor hit western shores on Tuesday evening, bringing gusts in excess of 130km/h.

Counties Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo, Galway, Cavan and Monaghan were among the worst affected, with flooding in some areas - including Galway and Cork city centres.

While the storm has since passed, Met Éireann is forecasting that heavy rain in the southwest and west will spread countrywide later tonight. Further strong winds are also expected.

Cork City Council has warned of a risk of further flooding in parts of the city this evening and tomorrow morning.

Cork City Council would like to advise that there is a risk of localised flooding on Morrison’s Island, Union Quay, Wandesford Quay & Crosses Green between 17.30 - 19.00 this evening & between 6.00am and 8.00am tomorrow morning.The Council will continue to monitor the situation.

The Defence Forces say they have already sent a dozen personnel and two vehicles to Galway to help.

Compensation

The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, has announced a scheme to provide emergency assistance for small businesses affected by flooding.

The scheme will cover businesses with up to 20 employees, sports clubs and community organisations unable to secure flood insurance.

Similar to previous flooding incidents, the scheme will be administered by the Irish Red Cross with the details being made available on their website shortly.

Minister Kehoe said "The Government has moved to have this scheme operational as quickly as possible and in a manner which is designed to be straight forward to best assist those who have been affected.

"The Irish Red Cross will administer and make payments under the scheme."

The scheme is a humanitarian support contribution towards the costs of returning business, sport and community premises to their pre-flood condition.

This will include the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant.

However the scheme will not provide a contribution to loss of earnings or loss of business good-will.

Travel

Road users are being advised to watch out for fallen trees and surface water when travelling on roads.

Motorists are also being asked to watch out for wind-blown debris, especially on secondary routes.

The AA says they should give a wide berth to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

All Irish Rail routes are operating following flooding on the Limerick to Ennis line and at Waterford station on Tuesday night.

Some Bus Éireann routes are facing diversions due to flooding, but are operating as normal.

Assistance

The Department of Social Protection says staff are available to support householders in areas affected by the storm.

The department's Community Welfare Services staff will engage with local authorities and assess the level of service required across the country.

It says particular attention will be given to the Galway area.

Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty said: "We are on standby to help anyone whose homes may have been affected by... flooding.

"Staff from the department will be available to support those in the affected areas... and we are ready to activate the HAID at anytime should residential properties have been damaged from extreme weather.

"I would urge families and individuals in need of assistance to contact their local Intreo Centre where our Community Welfare Service Teams are available to assist them."